Describing herself as ‘Weleda’s most ardent fan’, veteran supermodel Erin O’Connor has taken delivery this week of a supply of organic bodycare from green beauty pioneer Weleda, for her Model Sanctuary at 8 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, for London Fashion Week (16-20 September 2011.)

The Model Sanctuary is Erin’s brainchild and provides a refuge for show-weary models, many of whom are extremely young, and somewhere for models to put their feet up and recover from the run of late nights, the media glare and pressure of each show. They can rest, shower, change, eat a proper meal, take care of their skin, and relax with their peer group. As Erin explained:

’I set up The Model Sanctuary as a place where our models can talk freely but, more importantly, have a bit of down time away from the catwalk. I want young models to feel empowered by their experience here. Hopefully we can help them look after themselves’.

‘I felt that there was a lack of self-esteem in the new models coming onto the fashion scene. Most models are very young when they first enter into the industry. I wanted to provide a safe haven to allow them to flourish and feel comfortable with themselves. When you combine the amount of pressure they receive from the industry and the press, I felt it was important to provide a service which aims to nurture and encourage them. At The Model Sanctuary we offer a professional nutritional adviser as well as confidential and practical advice from our psycho-therapeutic counsellor. We also offer up fresh food, supplements and organic beauty products to keep the models balanced and fresh’.

Erin is quick to champion natural bodycare, and fair trade and ‘green’ issues are very close to her heart.

’I discovered Weleda some years ago when a friend introduced me to Skin Food. I fell in love with the simplicity of the product including its packaging and scent. Because of their holistic philosophy, I felt that Weleda would be ideal to support The Model Sanctuary ’.

The models that frequent The Model Sanctuary will all have the chance to enjoy Weleda Skin Food (30ml) in special goody bags. A favourite of Erin’s - she particularly loves it for dry shins, feet, knees, elbows - this hero product has a huge following amongst beauty professionals and make-up artists. Models rely on this balm to rescue tired, lacklustre skin suffering from the run of late nights and early starts, and to restore a glowing complexion between the busy schedule of shows, fittings and photo-calls.

The wash rooms and changing areas at The Model Sanctuary will also be stocked with Weleda’s range of natural deodorants - Wild Rose (£30ml), Citrus (30ml) and Erin’s personal favourite Sage (30ml). Together with Weleda’s refreshing Citrus Creamy Body Wash (100ml) to help wake up the body, mind and senses, and super gentle Calendula & Chamomile Shampoo (250ml) to soothe sensitive skin or scalp irritated by the extreme demands of runway styling.

Finally, Erin’s little selection of favourites for her own dressing room includes the following backstage beauty secrets: Wild Rose Smoothing Day Cream (30ml) and Wild Rose Eye Cream (10ml), together with Birch Body Scrub (150ml) and Birch Juice (200ml) to help purify, cleanse and maintain that flawless alabaster complexion of hers.

’Happy 90th Birthday, Weleda. Thank you for keeping me nicely scented and hydrated all these years! And thank you for your continued support at London Fashion Week’s Model Sanctuary – all the models at The Model Sanctuary adore you! ’.

Erin O’Connor

www.erinsmodelsanctuary.com

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© Weleda 2011